The Foundation

MISSION

The Mission of the Toshiko Takaezu Foundation is to preserve and promote ​​the artistic legacy of Toshiko Takaezu and to educate the public about her work and teachings.

About Us

The Toshiko Takaezu Foundation was founded in 2015, to preserve and promote the legacy of renowned abstract sculptor Toshiko Takaezu (1922-2011) and to educate the public about her work and teachings. Her art was deeply influenced by nature, her experiences in Hawai’i and New Jersey, as well as her travels around the world, particularly in Japan and Okinawa. The Foundation facilitates upcoming exhibitions, supports research projects, provides access to archives, and ensures public access to Takaezu's artistic contributions.

Press/announcements

Announcement: Justin D. Brancato as Inaugural Executive Director 

December 12, 2024 - We are pleased to announce the appointment of Justin D. Brancato as our inaugural Executive Director. Brancato has served as the Deputy Director and Director of Archives at the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation since 2010, began his tenure with the Toshiko Takaezu Foundation on November 1st. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the arts.  

“Toshiko Takazeu is a master artist, known for her innovative experiments with glazes, textures, and sounds. She is a pillar in the ceramics community and mentored artists who have gone on to achieve significant accolades in the field. Leading the foundation dedicated to celebrating and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Toshiko’s work is a tremendous honor. Our goal is to promote her legacy not only among the next generation of ceramists but across all artistic disciplines, extending her influence to those who remain unaware of the rare talent and pure force that is Toshiko Takaezu. Toshiko was a world-class artist and educator, and it is vital that her contributions are recognized and celebrated,” Brancato stated.

“Through his extensive planning proposals, meticulous presentation and thoughtful implementation of protocols and strategies, Justin has shown rare talent and notable ability,” said Jack Cowart, Executive Director of the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation. “Justin has much to offer the artist-endowed foundation field as a confident, emerging leader.” 

See the full press release here.

Fundraising Campaign

December 12, 2024 - In celebration of Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within, we are launching a fundraising campaign. Your support will help us preserve and promote Toshiko’s artistic contributions and educate the public about her work and teachings. 

With a donation of $100 or more, you will receive a beautiful exhibition poster of Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within. Your generosity will enable us to continue building programs that honor Toshiko Takaezu’s legacy.

Please donate here.

Toshiko Takaezu Foundation Awarded Mellon Foundation Grant

December 12, 2024 - We are excited to announce that the Toshiko Takaezu Foundation has been awarded a prestigious Mellon Foundation grant. This grant will provide essential support for our ongoing efforts to ensure that Takaezu’s remarkable legacy continues to inspire future generations. 

"There is tremendous momentum surrounding Toshiko Takaezu’s legacy, and this grant serves as a well-deserved recognition of her impact," said Darlene Fukuji.

See the full press release here.

Exhibition at Cranbrook Art Museum

December 12, 2024 - The acclaimed touring retrospective Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within continues its journey at the Cranbrook Art Museum from October 9, 2024, to January 12, 2025. This significant exhibition, featuring over 200 works, highlights Toshiko Takaezu’s enduring legacy.

Worlds Within traces the development of her practice from her early days in Hawai‘i, through her transformative years in the Midwest, to her final home in New Jersey where she taught at Princeton University. Yale University Press has published a monograph to accompany this extensive exhibition. 

The full list of current exhibitions can be found here. 

See the full press release here.

The Toshiko Takaezu Foundation is a Ruth Foundation for the Arts Grantee

November 18, 2022 - We are honored to be among the Fall 2022 recipients. Thank you, Ruth Foundation for the Arts!

See the full press release here.

Noguchi Museum Announces Major Touring Retrospective and Monograph on Toshiko Takaezu

June 17, 2022 - On the centennial anniversary of the birth of artist Toshiko Takaezu (1922–2011), The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum announced its forthcoming major touring retrospective and monograph centered on her work and life. Scheduled to begin in 2024, this will be the first nationally touring retrospective of Takaezu’s work in twenty years. To coincide with the exhibition, the Museum will co-publish a new monograph with Yale University Press. Donate to the exhibition here and see the press release here.

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